- Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways plans to launch a $1 billion IPO this week, marking the first major Gulf airline listing in nearly two decades. The airline aims to sell 20% of its business through 2.7 billion new shares, with proceeds funding its expansion. Owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion wealth fund ADQ, Etihad has not yet commented on the offering.
- The IPO comes as Etihad's net profit more than tripled to $476 million last year, reflecting its post-restructuring growth under CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The carrier plans to expand to 125+ destinations by 2030, supporting Abu Dhabi’s push to become a global travel hub. This includes a new multibillion-dollar terminal at Zayed International Airport, which tripled capacity to 45 million passengers. If launched, Etihad would be the UAE’s second IPO this year, following Alpha Data’s 40% stake sale.
Why it matters
Etihad's $1 billion IPO marks the first major Gulf airline listing in nearly two decades, signaling strong investor confidence in the aviation sector, potential growth opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s travel industry, and a boost to the UAE’s IPO market, making it a key event for investors watching global airline and Gulf market trends.
